Alcon launches Systane Gel for dry eyes

Alcon has announced the UK launch of a new Systane consumer health product designed to address moderate to severe dry eye symptoms.

Systane Gel functions by creating a gel shield for the eyes that offers long-term lubrication, meaning it is suitable for serious dry eye cases and can be used at night, reports Chemist and Druggist.

It is also optimised for use by contact lens users suffering from dry eye, as the drops can be used both before the lenses are inserted and after they are removed.

Alcon is launching the new product to ensure that sufferers of the condition can receive treatment when it progresses beyond the mild or moderate stage, as well as bolstering the company's share of this market.

The company said: "This easy-to-apply droppable gel will also help bridge the gap between current gels and ointments, which patients do not enjoy using."

Last month, Alcon – which is now a subsidiary of Novartis – signed a new deal with Bruker to utilise the latter company's technology in its intraocular lens research projects.